The North West of England has many things to love, including its mild climate, wonderful views and historical attractions. It is one of the best places in the UK to enjoy some quiet relaxation and have time for yourself. There are five administrative regions in the English North West, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside, and Cumbria. As the third-most populous region in England, after the South East and Greater London, it offers plenty of opportunities for visitors coming in from all corners of the world.
Here are some of the best spots you need to visit when travelling in the area.
Manchester and Liverpool
As the biggest cities in the English Northwest, you must visit Manchester and Liverpool at least once. Both share a significant part of their history, being well-known centres for development at the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. Manchester is regarded as the world’s first industrial city, with warehouses, mills and factories starting to appear during the late 18th century. Liverpool was well-known at the time for its cotton production, which enabled the city’s development and caused the population to grow from 6,000 to roughly 80,000 people in a very short amount of time. As such, both cities were at the heart of the manufacturing and trade networks of the time.
One of the best aspects for tourists in both cities is that the locals are very pleasant and agreeable. Both Mancunians and Liverpudlians are well-known for their warm and welcoming dispositions. In fact, Liverpool has long made the list of the friendliest cities in the UK according to several polls. When you’re in the area, you must also check the cuisine. Manchester and Liverpool have a rich food heritage, and while there are plenty of restaurants that prepare international fare, it would be a pity not to try some local dishes, like Bubble and Squeak, Wet Nelly, which is a variation of the Nelson cake, Toad in the hole, Lancashire hotpot, butter pie, rag pudding or Manchester tart.
And, of course, there are numerous landmarks you can visit. In Manchester, there’s the Cathedral and the Central Library, the Castlefield Urban Heritage Park, and Albert Square. In Liverpool, you must see the Beatles statues, the World Museum and the Royal Albert Dock. Since the cities are large, you can also use them as a starting point to travel the rest of the North West. You don’t have to worry about your car either, as airport parking Manchester offers numerous solutions so that you can be confident your vehicle is safe throughout the duration of your journey.
Lake District
Known as a much-beloved place for poets, the Lake District has been the home of many literary figures, including William Wordsworth, Robert Southey and Samuel Taylor Coleridge, all part of the Romantic movement. The Lake District is a mountainous region famous for its natural landscapes, including many forests and lakes. It’s easy to reach from all parts of England. If you’re in London, there are several accessible options. Look for parking at Stansted before you leave to get your car into a routinely inspected lot. The earlier you book a spot, the better the deals.
The Lake District is home to Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England, approximately 978 metres high and part of a now inactive volcano chain. Windermere, a long and deep ribbon lake, offers some of the most spectacular natural scenery in the UK. There are eighteen islands on the lake, only one of which was ever inhabited. Designated as a World Heritage Site in 2017, the Lake District is one of the must-visit areas in the UK. Walking through the fells or hiring a boat and going on a sailing journey will make for an unforgettable experience.
Hadrian’s Wall
You can visit the famous Roman fortification in Cumbria, the county bordering Scotland. Built as a defence mechanism against the native people in the region, such as the Picts, the Wall currently doesn’t stand at its original height, yet modern reconstructions were recreated in some areas. Excavated forts are also open to the public, and you can also visit some of the nearby museums that go into significant detail about the Wall’s complex history.
Several other ancient constructions were built close to the Wall, including granaries, mile castles, stairs, and walkways. While they haven’t maintained their original form, visiting them is still an incredible experience. You can also see the Sycamore Gap Tree, located next to the Wall, roughly three kilometres from the remains of the Housesteads Roman Fort in Northumberland. Hadrian’s Wall was also meant to separate Roman Britannia from Caledonia. While it was never used as a modern border between England and Scotland, it has been referred to as such colloquially.
Beacon Fell
A designated country park since the 1970s, Beacon Fell is located in the southwestern part of the Forest of Bowland. It is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the UK, offering some of the most incredible views in the country. On clear days, you might be able to see as far as the Lake District hills and the Isle of Man. The high visibility made it an ideal location for a beacon, which was in place as early as 1002. In 1588, it was these beacons that warned of the approach of the Spanish Armada. Nowadays, they are used during jubilees and other official events.
Looking to the South, you can see Preston and Parlick to the North. Several species of wildlife live in the area, including deer, rabbits, squirrels, foxes and otters, making it an essential place for conservation. And since you’re in the site, you can’t miss the opportunity to explore the more prominent Forest of Bowland, a place of extensive fells and steep valleys. The area is protected as it forms the natural habitat of many species of birds, so if you’re an avid birdwatcher or photographer, you’ll love the forest.
The North West of England is one of the most beautiful regions in the entire country. You’ll experience bustling cities and tranquil natural landscapes when you visit it. It’s a win-win situation.
Photo by Ian Cylkowski on Unsplash
